Question
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Just recently as I was talking to a friend right in the middle of the conversation the left side of my neck cracked and popped so loudly. I was just standing there and had not turned my head or neck at all and it struck me as odd that my neck would do that with my head and neck perfectly still and straight. Well now it is happening more often. I'm starting to get concerned about it. I have never had any kind of neck injury so it seems strange. Thank you for any advice you can give me.

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Did it hurt when the neck popped?  Does it hurt now?  How old are you?  

Most popping of joints is benign.  It is possible that you have had a joint that has been "fixated" or stuck for quite some time, and the suddenly it moved, creating a cavitation noise.  It is now transitioning from fixated to moving to fixated to moving, making a popping noise each time.

Your body is very capable of adapting and changing and healing on its own. If you are not having any pain with the popping, then it is very likely nothing to worry about and it will ease up over time.  

I would not get into the habit of trying to "pop" it on my own. If it does it, don't worry about it.

Danger signs would be:
Pain
Numbness
Tingling
Headache
Hand or arm pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
Symptoms on half of the body
Symptoms that spread to any other part of the body when the popping happens.

Remember, a good examination by a qualified and competent chiropractor is a good idea. I can only give you some thoughts and ideas, but these will never be worth more than the opinion of a good doctor.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com